I have checked with Lufthansa regards firearms on their flights and no problem with that. However, they could or would not advise me about any permitting needed to transit Frankfurt. I seem to remember that 3 or 4 years ago, there was some sort of permit required by Germany, even if we never took possession of our firearms during the short layover in Frsnkfurt. Anyone done this recently?

I went through Frankfurt from Dallas to Jburg last year & no issues. Guns were checked through to Jburg. I hope that is my last trip to Jburg. I went to Cape Tn. & that was so much better. Cape Tn does require transfer on commerical smaller plane to places in North RSA such as Limpopo because the PHs won't drive that far but it is worth it to not have to deal with the Jburg mess.

I flew from Dallas to Frankfurt to J'burg last year.. had a 12 hour layover.. left the airport and went into town for lunch, etc.. and had zero problems..

I thought it was Lufthansa who wanted advance notice. I did that same route and remember having to give Lufthansa my rifles serial number. Travel agent handled the details though.

.

Germany doesn't require transit licenses at all. Heathrows the balls up not Ffm.

.

Thanks for the replies!

I have contacted the German government and they have told me I need to apply for a temporary permit, just to transit the country with firearms. Must be done well in advance, the cost is 20 euros and the permit will cover both layovers, coming and going.

quote:

Originally posted by Charlie64:
.

Germany doesn't require transit licenses at all. Heathrows the balls up not Ffm.

.

Has Heathrow changed?

I've transited Heathrow three times traveling from California to Africa (2011, 2013 and 2016) and checked my bags straight through to Jo'berg (United to SAA) and had no issue with permits or notifications.

I've only transited through Frankfurt with a rifle on one occasion, in 2009 on my way to Namibia from Paris. In this case I had to recheck my luggage on to the Air Namibia flight, since intra-Europe flights are treated differently than international flights with respect to firearms. My rifle was inspected (metal guncase which I screw shut with Phillips head screws in holes I drilled into the case). The customs and security people found this unusual and were curious. After inspection and the rifle case closed and screwed shut they promptly confiscated my short shank Philips head screwdriver, but let the rifle through.

It wasn't all smiles, but in the end they let the rifle through.

Pretty sure firearm transit permits through Frankfurt was dropped 3-4 years ago. It was put in place 2-3 year prior to that by the Frankfurt Mayor (anti gun guy) and was ultimately ruled "unconstitutional" by German Federal government because the airport was not "city" property.

IF they have actually reinstated it, it has been within the past 10 months because I was through FRA with firearms every year since it was dropped with the last trip in Apr 2017.

Rifles and luggage where "checked through" or in one trip we had to claim and re-check on Air Namibia both ways, 2016. No issues at all, just the "normal" calls to the airlines a week or so ahead of the flights to let them know and add a note to our reservations. No makes, mods or serial numbers asked for.